Raising teens in small flat

[Newkitty]

I realise this is a very 1st world problem but ... I’ve been thinking a bit ahead ... we live in a 2 bed flat with D.C. (nearly 8). It’s a nice place (as long as we remember to tidy up!) We have a lovely (small) garden and live near lots of amenities.

But .. what happens when he’s a teenager? I grew up in the suburbs in a 4 bed semi, and my sister and I had a whole floor to ourselves. We would spend most of our time listening to music, calling our friends, and generally being away from my parents.

My D.C. has a small bedroom sandwiched between our only living space and my bedroom/ office. I don’t think we can afford/ want to move, but when I think about the future I feel worried - will he have enough privacy? Will we all hate each other? Will he be in his room all day? Will he want to have friends round?

I’d love to hear some others’ experiences. Should I be trying to move, even if it means a big change in location?

I’ve brought up a teenager in a two bed flat with a younger sibling (sleeping with DH and I). My DD always has friends round, in a house they would be in a bedroom anyway so that’s no issue. They will never have enough privacy according to them but as long as they can close their bedroom door then they have enough privacy. We don’t make a fuss about the noise when she has friends round but she has headphones in when she’s alone. She spends lots of time in her room but all teens do that. Don’t stress about it, it’s perfectly fine.

Thanks - I’m sure I’m overthinking it. We also only have one bathroom - that’s ok too isn’t it?!?

In an ideal world I think most of us would want to live in a detached house, with large bedrooms and living space for everyone, etc. But the reality is that most of us have to make do and it’s full of compromises. But it’s fine I think.